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Cricket club in Bideford burnt down for second time

Fire crews from Bideford were called to Westleigh Cricket Club shortly after 3am this morning. Photo: ITV West Country

A cricket clubhouse in Devon has been destroyed by fire for a second time.

Fire crews from Bideford were called to Westleigh Cricket Club shortly after 3am this morning.

The fire service believes the blaze was started deliberately.

In August 2010 the clubhouse was burnt to the ground.

Earlier this year vandals smashed every pane of glass in the building.

The fire service believes the blaze was started deliberately. Credit: ITV West Country

Players at the club reacted with disbelief that the clubhouse has once again been destroyed.

As I came through the gate, as you can imagine, it was a mix of anger and sadness really. I'm more upset than anything else that anyone would be willing or able to do this to the club once again to be honest.

– James Starkey, Westleigh Cricket Club

Money was raised to help with the repairs last time the clubhouse was damaged.

A new fundraising page has been set up in the hope that people will contribute again.

A new fundraising page has been set up in the hope that people will contribute again. Credit: ITV West Country

Several different teams play at the ground as well as Westleigh, including North Devon junior sides.

It is likely to cost tens of thousands of pounds to rebuild the pavilion but the club is hopeful it will be ready for the start of the cricket season next year.

There's been loads of people getting in contact offering help, whether that be a couple of hours to help rebuild something or cash donations and it's great just to see the community pulling together but it's a shame that it has to happen around events like this.